Lisa Puente, 43, of Rialto, and Arthur Marquez, 53, of San Bernardino, were arrested today on charges related to a large-scale fraud scheme in which they allegedly secured over $2.1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The two individuals face a nine-count federal indictment for submitting more than 120 false unemployment insurance (UI) applications to the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
From February 2020 to August 2023, Puente and Marquez are accused of using stolen identities to file fraudulent claims for UI benefits. These identities included those of individuals who were ineligible for benefits, such as incarcerated persons, and others whose personal information was used without their consent. The applications reportedly included false details, including fabricated mailing addresses, inflated income claims, and fictitious self-employment status to make it appear as if the claimants were financially affected by COVID-19.
As a result, the EDD authorized Bank of America to issue debit cards in the names of the victims and straw claimants. The defendants allegedly used these cards to withdraw cash from ATMs and bank branches, as well as to make unauthorized purchases.
Puente and Marquez each face six counts of mail fraud, one count of unauthorized access device use, and a charge of aggravated identity theft. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following their initial court appearances, Puente was released on a $20,000 bond, and Marquez was released on a $10,000 bond. It is important to note that an indictment contains allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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